Year 10 Italian

Childhood Memories: Cultural and Language Immersion Excursion

The Year 10 Italian students attended a cultural excursion to the Italian Club of WA as part of their current unit on childhood memories. The excursion, which took place on Wednesday, 27 May, aimed to immerse students in Italian language and culture through a meaningful and engaging real-world experience, exploring how traditions, food and community life have shaped Italian identity over generations.

Following an authentic Italian lunch featuring woodfired pizzas and a selection of traditional pasta dishes, students were able to experience Italian hospitality and cuisine first-hand while also practising social interaction in a cultural setting.

A highlight of the afternoon was an immersive interview with a native Italian migrant named Dino, who has lived and worked in Australia for many years. Students conducted parts of the interview in Italian, giving them the opportunity to practise their language skills in a real-world context while listening to stories about life in both Italy and Australia. Dino shared childhood memories and reflections that connected directly to the focus of the students’ Unit 2 studies. Students were encouraged to make comparisons between Italian childhood experiences and their own lives growing up in Australia.

The excursion also included time exploring areas within the Italian Club, where students observed members of the Italian community enjoying card games, conversation and companionship while maintaining a strong connection to the culture and traditions they brought with them from Italy. This authentic experience gave students valuable insight into the migrant experience and the important role community spaces such as the Italian Club continue to play for migrant Australians in Western Australia.

Students also had the opportunity to enjoy some recreational time within the club environment. Many gathered to watch members passionately playing the traditional card game Briscola and listened to them speaking Italian, while other students enjoyed having a go at the foosball tables. These moments added to the authentic atmosphere of the afternoon and gave students a chance to experience the social and community aspects of Italian culture in a relaxed and enjoyable way.

The boys represented the College respectfully throughout the afternoon and expressed how much they enjoyed the opportunity to step outside the Italian classroom and experience a small but meaningful part of Italian culture within our local community.

Marina Raschella

Teacher of Italian